Ne Emissions from a He Discharge Flow System: I. Relative Transition Probabilities of Ne

This report summarizes research on solar activity over an almost three-year period from January 1, 1979, till the end of June 1981. In preparing this report we respected the advice of the I.A.U. Executive Committee to cover the highlights of work carried out in the field of solar physics relevant to our Commission, and avoiding double work. Only a limited space was made available for our Commission. Given this restraint we tried to produce a comprehensive review. With great pleasure I appreciate the excellent cooperation of the members of our Executive Committee in the preparation of this report.

Solar Activity

Bumba¹

1982

Commission19. (Variation of Latitude.)

Lambert¹,

Schilt²

1933

Mr Lambert stated that the Committee was a mixed one, the members being appointed by the I.A.U. and by the Association de Géodésie and the present session would be considered as a meeting of the entire Committee.In connection with Dr Kimura’s report the chairman recommended the resolution passed by the National Committee of Astronomy in Italy and moved that the Union should be asked to grant a small sum of money for the full publication of Kimura’s reductions of the international latitude observations. Mr Bowie suggested that at the present time such action involving expenditure should be delayed. Dr Schlesinger seconded the motion of the chairman and elucidated the Italian proposal. He read a cablegram from Dr Kimura stating the number of pages to be printed and the price. On the basis of these figures it was estimated that the total cost involved would be about five hundred dollars. The motion was carried unanimously.

Commission 14: Atomic and Molecular Data

Kononov¹

1982

The rapid expansion during the past few years of the spectral region accessible to astronomical observers, from gamma rays to the radio region, has resulted in a corresponding expansion of the need for a wide variety of atomic and molecular data. Included are needs for accurate wavelengths, atomic and molecular energy levels, and transition probabilities. The continually improving resolution that has been attainable has resulted in the requirement of improved insight into line broadening mechanisms of various types. This expansion has placed an increasing premium on data compilation and dissemination, so that available information can be made readily available to potential users. Among the numerous compilations that have appeared might be mentioned the important National Bureau of Standards Bibliography on Atomic Levels and Spectra, which is up-dated periodically via successive supplements, and the NBS compilation and bibliography by the Data Center on Atomic Transition Probabilities. Several compilations or bibliographies on collision cross-sections are now available, such as that published by the Information Center at JILA. In the field of molecular spectra there has appeared the very comprehensive “Constants of Diatomic Molecules” by Huber and Herzberg. Other useful compilations are referred to in the reports of the five Working Groups that appear below.